TEHRAN-TABNAK, Feb 4–Robert E. Hunter, the former U.S. ambassador to NATO, says Trump prefers to negotiate with Iran rather than war.
He adds: He has so far shown that he does not want any more wars in which the US would be directly involved, except for an attack on the US homeland.
“He will also be reluctant to let Israel drag the US into war with Iran,” Hunter tells the Tabnak News Agency.
Following is the full text of the exclusive interview with Hunter:
Q: In his positions on Iran's nuclear program, President Trump has emphasized that he wants to talk to Iran. On the other hand, he has threatened a military attack if the talks fail. Will we see the talks begin soon?
A: Trump would almost surely prefer talks of some form; he has so far shown that he does not want any more wars in which the US would be directly involved, except for an attack on the US homeland. He will also be reluctant to let Israel drag the US into war with Iran.
Q: It seems that President Trump wants to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiations so that he can focus on containing China. What is your assessment?
A: Agree
Q: Do you think that if President Trump makes an agreement with Iran, the US Congress, where his opponents are present, will support this agreement and not create obstacles?
A: Major elements of Congress will oppose any deal with Iran. An issue will be if Trump could do something that would not require congressional approval (that is, a treaty). Trump will, off course, offer Netanyahu a lot more military weaponry, and congress will fund it.
Q: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said before his trip to the United States that he will pursue a “peace through strength” approach to stability in the region. This strategy has been put forward by President Trump and his team (Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense). How will this policy be pursued in the region, and especially regarding Iran?
A: I suspect, however, that the issue would be whether Iran attacks Israel.)
Q: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has traveled to the United States and will meet with US President Donald Trump. What do you think the outcome of this meeting will be regarding Iran?
A: Lots of supportive words by Trump (including Gaza), plus more weapons. Lots of drumbeating by Netanyahu. Statements of solidarity. However, Netanyahu will go away not certain that Trump will back him if he goes, unprovoked, to war with Iran (including attacking nuclear sites). A key will be what Trump does to try getting Iran to change its behavior in various places (very difficult). Trump will also back Israel in Gaza and the West Bank, which don’t have broader regional consequences or the possibility that war will drag the US in.
